I ordered this with my steak tonight at the ever pleasant steakhouse, The Keg. I originally ordered a Malbec but they were out, and this was $11.50 CAD a glass, so I had big expectations and high hopes.

I was very disappointed. Now, I should preface this with the fact that I am new to wine generally and may not have developed a taste for a strong Cab yet. It might be why I didn't like the Rocca delle Macie Chianti on the other thread.

The wine was a nice garnet colour. Aromas were very alcoholic and oaky. Taste was overpoweringly alcoholic, oaky, and tannic. If there's a good wine in there, I wasn't able to find it. Perhaps it's just young and closed, or maybe that's what it's supposed to taste like, but it was anything but smooth.

Thanks ENG. So it is a bit high. I fully understand a higher mark-up for a restaurant on wine, but that mark-up is a bit insulting. Of course, I'm assuming thier cost on the bottle would be the same as in the US. I could be wrong.......most likely am wrong.

Deputy, Try some Aussie Shiraz. Your last statement about "Pop" made me think that may be the best avenue. Some suggestions under $15 would be Paringa, Buckley's, Leng's and Cooter's "the Victor", Marquis-Phillips "Sarah's blend", etc..... People have accused Robert Parker of liking Aussie Shiraz because while growing up, he drank pop all the time.

I've honestly been resistant to the "idea" of Aussie Shiraz for a bit because of the way it's sort of become "le vin du jour". Admittedly, this doesn't make sense, as I have such limited experience that I shouldn't close my mind to anything.

In any event, I'll try it.

Oh, and for the record, I checked the liquor store today and the 7 Oaks goes for $22.99, or so the price tag said. Then again, I'm not sure if the tag was for the same vintage, but that's what it said.